A safer pathway for domestic violence victims

Source: The Lakes Mail | By: David Stewart | Posted: October 20, 2017

DOMESTIC violence victims in Lake Macquarie will soon have a single contact point to access the support they need.

In March, 2018, the state government will launch a new Safer Pathway website which promises to put the safety of victims and their children at the centre of the response.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald, and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Pru Goward, announced the plan this week.

Safer Pathway aims to ensure victims receive a consistent and effective response by bringing together local representatives including police, health, Corrections, Family and Community Services, and education along with local specialist non-government domestic violence services.

The government has committed more than $50 million over four years for Safer Pathway.

Ms Goward said agencies working together meant victims would no longer have to repeat their story multiple times.

“Safer Pathway creates a co-ordinated response where agencies work proactively to provide victims with the support they need,” Ms Goward said.

Mr MacDonald welcomed the roll-out of Safer Pathway across the Lake Macquarie Local Area Command.

“We will continue in our commitment to eradicate the scourge of domestic violence and critical to that goal is the introduction of this new Safer Pathway site,” Mr MacDonald said.

Independent Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper welcomed the announcement.

“Most importantly, this program will provide a safer, simpler and less-stressful course for victims of domestic violence and address their need for a co-ordinated response from specialist agencies and services,” Mr Piper said.

“Our goal should always be to eliminate domestic violence in our communities, but at the very least we must find the best ways of assisting victims at times when they most need it.”

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